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Croeso from Fiona Reid, Chief Executive Officer
Croeso i chi gyd. Thank you for joining us this evening, and for your interest and support.
We are Disability Sport Wales. We are an organisation committed to making a difference to sport; to ensuring that disabled people are a central consideration as the sector works toward the achievement of the Vision for Sport in Wales. We have never been able to do this on our own, making physical activity (including sport) inclusive is something that we all have a role to play in.
Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate some of the work happening across Wales, and the people who make that happen. A few years ago, this would have been our Awards evening where would have recognised performances, people, organisations and programmes which showcase the differences being inclusive makes; but we do not need to do that now. It is a tribute to the work National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities, and partner organisations have done to genuinely embed the achievements of disabled people into all their award categories, that we believe there is no longer a need for the Disability Sport Wales Awards as was.
There are two awards, however, that we will continue to make in the memory of two people who gave so much of their time, influence, and knowledge to making disability sport in Wales what it is today. Two people who will always be significant to DSW and our journey.
The Jim Munkley Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim Munkley MBE was significant in so many people’s lives. He competed at five Paralympic Games, coached Table Tennis producing many of Wales’ Paralympic and World medallists, was Chair of the Welsh Paraplegic and Tetraplegic Sports Association (WPTSA), as well as a long-serving board member to DSW.
Emerging Athlete of the Year (with the Gareth John Bursary)
Gareth John MBE was a force of nature. He was known to many within sport, having worked or volunteered within Local Authority, National Governing Bodies, the Welsh Sports Association and Commonwealth Games Wales, as well as being a DSW Board member, Chair and President.
The team at DSW are incredible. They are passionate, resilient, and committed to making change for the better. This year has been a difficult one. Times are financially tough for so many people, disproportionately disabled people, and we are just recovering from three years of isolation. This year has been difficult specifically for DSW, because we also lost a member of the family – Anthony Hughes MBE.
In our celebrations tonight we will be remembering where much of the influence and inspiration came from; but also looking to share the passion and clarity of what a difference change makes. Inclusive change.
We want everyone to leave tonight inspired, not just by the stories you hear and journeys you see, but for what you can do when you go back to your office, your field or court, your home or school. What changes can you make which will mean that what you do becomes more accessible, creates genuine opportunity, opens pathways for someone to be the best version of themselves?
Come with us on this journey, work with us to keep making physical activity and sport in Wales the envy of everywhere. We can achieve this as partners.
Thank you to those who have helped us deliver tonight’s event, we absolutely could not have done it without you. Thank you to everyone at DSW, the team, the board and the myriad of volunteers making a difference every day. Thank you to our partners, not only for your investment, but for your enthusiasm and support for what we do.
Have a wonderful evening, and thank you for joining us.
